Lua Lua lured to Newcastle

THE remarkable transformation of Lomana Tresor Lua Lua from college student to Premiership footballer is expected to be completed tomorrow after Newcastle United yesterday agreed to pay £2.25 million for Colchester United's 19-year-old winger.

By John Ley

12:00AM BST 20 Sep 2000

THE remarkable transformation of Lomana Tresor Lua Lua from college student to Premiership footballer is expected to be completed tomorrow after Newcastle United yesterday agreed to pay £2.25 million for Colchester United's 19-year-old winger.

Lua Lua was spotted playing for Leyton College against Colchester Sixth Form College, was signed as a trainee and, after less than two years as a professional at the Second Division club, has been offered the chance to play alongside Alan Shearer.

When he arrived in England with his family from Zaire at the age of 11 he had never kicked a ball. A budding gymnast, he was spotted playing with a tennis ball in his school playground and thrust into the school team.

Geoff Harrop, a member of Colchester's youth set-up, spotted him in a school match and his development has been rapid. Former Colchester manager Mick Wadsworth, now deputy to manager Bobby Robson at St James' Park, recommended the player and, provided he passes a medical and agrees terms, he will sign today.

Robson said: "He has to be nursed and cherished and taught. But we are buying long-term a very promising talent, a very promising player."

Related Articles

The teenager, renowned for extravagant goalscoring celebrations, scored on his Colchester debut at Chesterfield in January 1999, and last season added 14 goals.

Peter Heard, the Colchester chairman, added: "The transfer fee gives us the opportunity to establish financial security for the club and will assist with the costs of a new ground."

Steve Whitton, the Colchester manager, said: "Bearing in mind the possible abolition of the transfer system, I felt the time and fee were right."

Lua Lua could soon be joined by 6ft 7in Trinidad and Tobago international Dennis Lawrence. The 25-year-old has started a two-week trial with Newcastle.

Chelsea's hopes of signing Real Madrid striker Savio now appear to have floundered. The Brazilian said: "I have listened to the words of Roberto Carlos, Flavio Conceicao and even Panucci, and they have made me think better of moving."